Judge Won’t Stop Detroit Water Shutoffs

from abcnews.go.com: A judge overseeing Detroit's bankruptcy refused Monday to stop the city from shutting off water if people can't pay their bill. Judge Steven Rhodes said the water department probably hasn't done enough to help people with chronically low income, but noted there is no "enforceable right" to water. Rhodes covered much ground as he read his opinion in court. He said Detroit's recent strategy to get people into two-year payment plans, starting with a 10 percent down payment, was "bold" and "commendable." Roughly 30,000 customers now are enrolled. Bankruptcy law doesn't grant the authority to interfere with city services, said Rhodes, who also turned aside constitutional arguments of due process and equal protection. "Detroit cannot afford any revenue slippage," said the judge, who heard two days of testimony last week.